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United States Patent | 6,217,114 |
Degonda | April 17, 2001 |
An inclinable seat arrangement, in particular for a sick or handicapped occupant, is described. It comprises a framework (2) and an inclinable seat (3) connected to the framework by an articulation (4) and by a positioning mechanism arranged so as to facilitate the manipulations for inclining the seat by the occupant or by another person. The axis of the articulation (4) is preferably located proximate a vertical line passing through the center of gravity (G1) of the occupant when in a position corresponding to the equilibrium position of the empty seat. An elastic mechanism, exerting a progressive return couple toward the equilibrium position, comprises elastic bearings (24) within the articulation. The elastic mechanism also preferably comprises a constant force gas thrustor (6) which includes a controlled blocking arrangement. In place of the gas thrustor there may be provided a motorized jack (51) controlled by the occupant (48). The seat arrangement may be employed in stationary or wheeled chairs for the sick or handicapped.
Inventors: | Degonda; Andre (Lausanne, CH) |
Assignee: | Degonda-Rehab SA (Lausanne, CH) |
Appl. No.: | 875920 |
Filed: | August 11, 1997 |
PCT Filed: | December 12, 1996 |
PCT NO: | PCT/CH96/00436 |
371 Date: | August 11, 1997 |
102(e) Date: | August 11, 1997 |
PCT PUB.NO.: | WO97/23187 |
PCT PUB. Date: | July 3, 1997 |
Dec 21, 1995[FR] | 95 15280 |
Current U.S. Class: | 297/325; 5/610; 280/250.1; 297/DIG.4 |
Intern'l Class: | A47C 001/02 |
Field of Search: | 297/326,325,DIG. 4,328,362.13,183.7 5/610,617,618 280/250.1,664,717 |
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